Synonyms for

Destroying

Verb / dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ / Another word for destroying — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To damage or ruin something completely

Synonyms & similar words

destroy demolish destruct ruin putdown ruin wreck demolish devastate annihilate obliterate eradicate extinguish eliminate crush shatter smash break dismantle disintegrate undo abolish end terminate

Synonyms by register

Formal

annihilating demolishing obliterating ruining wrecking

Informal

trashing wrecking smashing messing up

Literary

devastating shattering unmaking

Antonyms

creating building constructing making forming preserving saving restoring

Common collocations

  • destroying evidence
  • destroying property
  • destroying lives
  • destroying the environment
  • destroying hope
  • destroying a building
  • destroying a reputation
  • destroying the planet

Word family

noun destruction
verb destroy
adjective destructive
adverb destructively

Usage note

The word 'destroying' implies complete ruin or annihilation. It is a strong verb and should be used when the damage is significant and irreversible.

Example sentences

  1. The fire is destroying the forest.
  2. The hurricane is destroying the city.
  3. The bulldozer is destroying the old building.
  4. The chemicals are destroying the environment.
  5. The virus is destroying the cells in the body.

Quotes

  • Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before - it takes something from him.
  • If you want to destroy something, be it acne, a heroin addiction, or a country, you must first deal with the core problem: yourself.
  • I am destroying the tools of my captivity and my servitude.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words